Longhorns Wire will create a draft profile for each former Texas player transitioning to the NFL in 2021.
Each profile will be updated according to where the player is eventually selected in the 2021 NFL draft and/or where they choose to sign as undrafted free agents. Defensive tackle Ta’Quon Graham, a Senior Bowl standout, is next.
Class: Senior
Height: 6-4
Weight: 290
Pros
Very strong and physical up front whether it’s at the 3-technique or rotating at the nose. He’s also shown position flexibility to play on the edge. His ability to play around the defensive line increases his value for different defensives schemes.
He uses his power and quickness at the point of attack against oncoming offensive linemen and able to keep his frame. Whether it’s in the run game or pass rush, he shows the ability to be quick off the snap and give whoever’s blocking him plenty of problems.
Graham’s length is impressive for an interior defensive linemen. At the Senior Bowl, his wingspan measured 85 1/8″ and his arm length was 34 7/8″ with 10 5/8″ hands. All of which are above average measurements for defensive tackle prospects.
Cons
His strength and quickness are better served inside. While he’s shown the ability to play on the edge, he doesn’t show the same kind of quickness off the edge that he displays inside.
While he typically has a longer reach than the guards or centers he’s gone against, the offensive tackle’s that he matches up with show better reach and burst off the snap, which affects him in the run game getting pushed back, as well as in the passing game by not getting any push himself.
Analysis
As mentioned prior, his position flexibility makes him more valuable in a draft without very many standout defensive tackle prospects. However, he’s much more ready to be an interior defensive linemen as opposed to an edge or a 5-technique.
His best fit is a 4-3 defensive scheme where he primarily plays at the 3-technique and can rotate at the nose in obvious passing situations.
Projection
Third to fourth round